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Fecal Incontinence

Fecal Incontinence Treatment Los Angeles

Fecal incontinence can be an embarrassing and distressing condition. It is more common in older adults, but it can affect individuals of all ages. According to studies, about 18 million adults in the United States experience some form of fecal incontinence. If you suspect you have fecal incontinence or are experiencing symptoms, call to schedule a consultation with our experienced colorectal surgeons here at Surgery Group LA. By tailoring treatment approaches to your individual needs, our colorectal surgeons help you find relief from symptoms, enhance your quality of life, and work towards long-term well-being.
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Overview

What is Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence, or bowel incontinence, is the inability to control bowel movements causing unexpected leaks from an individual’s rectum. This loss of control can range from an occasional leakage before being able to reach a restroom, to complete loss of bowel movements altogether. Or, a person may not feel the urge to go to the toilet at all. What most people suffering from this condition fail to realize is there are many new effective treatment options available for fecal incontinence.

Symptoms & Causes

What causes Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence can result from various factors, including muscle or nerve damage, chronic constipation, and certain medical conditions. Common causes include:

  • Muscle Damage: Injury to the anal sphincter muscles during childbirth, surgery, or trauma.
  • Nerve Damage: Damage to the nerves controlling the anal sphincter muscles, often due to diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury.
  • Chronic Constipation: Straining during bowel movements can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and lead to incontinence.
  • Diarrhea: Loose stools are harder to control and can lead to leakage.
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and rectal prolapse can cause fecal incontinence.

Causes of Bowel Incontinence in Females?

Women are more likely to experience bowel incontinence due to childbirth-related injuries and hormonal changes. Causes specific to females include:
  • Childbirth: Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincter, leading to incontinence.
  • Menopause: Hormonal changes can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and contribute to incontinence.
  • Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus can affect the pelvic floor muscles and nerves, leading to incontinence.

What are the symptoms of Fecal Incontinence?

The primary symptom of fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool. Other symptoms may include:

  • Anal Leakage: Unintentional release of stool or mucus from the anus.
  • Sudden Urge to Poop and Can’t Hold It: An urgent need to have a bowel movement, often without enough time to reach a bathroom.
  • Leaky Butt: Persistent leakage of stool, causing discomfort and hygiene issues.
  • Rectal Leakage: Continuous or intermittent leakage of stool from the rectum.

Diagnosis & Screening

How is Fecal Incontinence diagnosed?

Diagnoses of fecal incontinence are most often based off of a healthcare providers evaluation of a patient’s medical history, an in-office physical exam, and other related blood or imaging test results. This evaluation may include the following diagnostic methods:

  • Blood tests
  • Colonoscopy
  • Electromyography (EMG) – Tests the nerve function in the muscles around the anus by using tiny needle electrodes.
  • Rectal or pelvic ultrasound
  • Stool culture
  • Test of anal sphincter tone (anal manometry) – This is used to evaluate the rectal sensation, strength and response by utilizing a catheter and a balloon to study the nerves and muscles of the anus and rectum.
  • X-ray procedure using a special dye to evaluate how well the sphincter contracts (balloon sphincterogram)

Treatment

What are the Treatment Options for Fecal Incontinence?

Treatment for Fecal incontinence depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Common treatment options include:

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
  • Dietary Modifications: Increasing fiber intake can help regulate bowel movements and reduce diarrhea. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can also help.
  • Regular Exercise: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through exercises such as Kegels can improve muscle control.
  • Bowel Training: Establishing a regular bowel movement schedule can help manage incontinence.
Medications
  • Anti-Diarrheal Medications: Medications such as loperamide (Imodium) can help control diarrhea and reduce leakage.
  • Stool Softeners: For individuals with chronic constipation, stool softeners can make bowel movements easier to pass.
Medical Interventions
  • Biofeedback Therapy: This technique helps individuals learn how to strengthen and coordinate their pelvic floor muscles.

What are the Surgical Procedures for Fecal Incontinence?

When conservative treatments fail, surgical options may be considered. Common surgical procedures include:

  • Sphincteroplasty: Repairing a damaged anal sphincter muscle to improve muscle control.
  • Colostomy: Creating an opening in the abdomen to divert stool into a bag, used in severe cases where other treatments have failed.
  • Sacral Nerve Stimulation: SNS surgery involves implanting a device that stimulates the sacral nerves, which control bowel movements. This treatment can significantly improve symptoms in individuals with incontinence. The recovery time for sacral nerve stimulation varies but typically involves a few weeks of limited activity

Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Bowel Incontinence

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat fecal incontinence. The sacral nerve stimulator implant is placed under the skin in the lower back, and it sends electrical impulses to the sacral nerves to help control bowel movements. This procedure has been effective in reducing symptoms in many patients.

Benefits of Sacral Nerve Stimulation
  • Improved Bowel Control: Many patients experience significant improvement in bowel control and a reduction in leakage episodes.
  • Minimally Invasive: The procedure is less invasive than other surgical options, with a shorter recovery time.
  • Reversible: The device can be removed if it is not effective or causes side effects.

Summary

Fecal incontinence is a challenging condition that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for managing this condition effectively. From lifestyle changes and medications to advanced surgical interventions like sacral nerve stimulation, there are various ways to address fecal incontinence and improve daily living. If you experience symptoms of rectal incontinence, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

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